Category: Riders

Everyone at Ravelrig will be cheering for Dianne Allan, one of our Monday night riders who is competing in the RDA National Championships down in Hartpury in Gloucestshire. The event is running from Friday 13th July until Sunday 15th July and Dianne’s event is on the Saturday.

We all wish her the best of luck on the day, we know she will have an amazing time.

We also want to thank Borders RDA group for allowing Dianne to ride one of their wonderful horses, Domino at the event.

Winter has certainly dragged on this year, but we are not letting it get us down at Ravelrig. We had a visit at the end of March from the Multiple Sclerosis Society, who are running a project called MSS Active Together to help build motivation and confidence for those affected by MS to get more physically active.

There were six riders who joined us, with Thumper and Teemo helping show them the ropes. Some of them had never ridden before, so it was lovely to see smiles and laughter from everyone involved.

Tracey from the MS Society said “The session could not have been any better, we were very thankful and appreciative of the support received from your marvellous team of volunteers”

While we were all busy at Ravelrig with the Dog Show there were some of our volunteers, families and riders at the City Chambers in Edinburgh by invitation from the Lord and Lady Provost of Edinburgh to watch the Riding of the Marches.

A few weeks ago some riders, volunteers and horses headed out from Ravelrig RDA to Shiresmill Therapy Riding Centre in Fife to take part in the RDA Big Ride. The Big Ride involves Sam Orde, who is RDA’s Chairperson travelling to all 18 RDA’s regions and taking part in a ride or carriage drives to raise money for the Riding for the Disabled National Training Centre in Warwickshire.

Everyone who went from Ravelrig had a great day out and Millie even had her log book signed by Sam herself!

So a big thank you to Shiresmill for hosting it and welcoming us along on what turned out to be a great day out.

Our horses and riders enjoy the lessons in the arena but it’s always nice for them to get out and enjoy the beautiful area around Balerno we are so lucky to have.

Ravelrig is based at the foot of the Pentland Hills so what better way to explore, but on horseback. Friday night a group of riders and volunteers from the stables went out to Harlaw and Threipmuir reservoirs and had a great time soaking up the sun and looking what wildlife and farm animals they could spot.

Thank you to everyone who took part and the helpers who made it possible.

Mark took part in the Special Olympics held in Sheffield last week and won two medals in the swimming events.

Winning not one but two medals – Silver for 100mtr backstroke and Bronze for 100mtr freestyle.

John, Marks dad said “He was exhausted when he got home yesterday evening but he has been having a good rest and seems to be back to normal now! He was chuffed that you had all take such an interest! Thank you so much”

Well Done to everyone who took part in the Edinburgh and Borders RDA Region Dressage Qualifiers at the weekend. The event took place in the Scottish National Equestrian Centre and Tonto went along with three of our riders strut their stuff.

Our riders did Ravelrig proud and with three 1st positions and one 3rd. We were overjoyed with everyone’s hard work.

The prize winners were

Calum Leather, in the senior group, Finlay Burnside and Reann Hornby in the Junior group.

Alisha Dickson was another winner in the Arts and Craft section for her wonderful model of Buddie and her.

And not to be left out Tonto who Calum, Finlay and Reann all rode won for best Condition and Turnout.

Well done to all the Ravelrig RDA Riders who took part in this years Regional Dressage Championship held at the Scottish National Equestrian Centre in Uphall.
Ravelrig RDA offers and supports a wide range of local and national activities which our riders participate in.

Since 2013 riders have had the opportunity to take part in the RDA nationally accredited qualification ‘Towards Independence’ developed in partnership with ASDAN, an awarding body approved by QCA, DELLS and CCEA.

Riders are also supported in regional activities such as dressage competitions and non-equine activities such as arts and crafts competitions

2016 Regional Dressage Competition

On 8th April 2016, more than a dozen riders from Ravelrig RDA took part on various classes at the Edinburgh, Lothians & Fife Regional Dressage Championships held at the Scottish Equestrian Centre in Uphall. The riders, horses and volunteers were incredibly well turned out and represented Ravelrig RDA with style.

There were numerous placings across the classes, including a win for Tommy Main on the late, great Red and a Best Turned out award for Ruth Porter and Buddie.

Everyone had a fantastic day and volunteers from Ravelrig even manned the Cafe to support it’s Regional colleagues.

In 2015, rider Ellie Livingstone (12) won the RDA National Award for Most Improved Participant. Ellie suffers from quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, is unable to walk unaided and uses a wheelchair. None of this holds her back though, her sights are set on riding in the Olympics — something that is a real possibility with the support of Ravelrig RDA.